Well people, it is officially the holidays here. Wohoooooo! Actually, the holidays "officially" started last weekend, but eh. So I've been sleeping and sleeping and arguing with my mother about the need for sleep and...Man! Hang on, the phone's ringing, AGAIN.

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Um...Wow. I just had some kinda depressing news. I'll have to cut this short, sorry.

Hope you enjoy this chapter anyway.

Chapter 13

I heard rustling as the audience unsettled. A sea of faces turned as one toward the door. The two panals swung inside. I raised my eyes warily, preparing for the worst.

A man walked, chin held high, into the room. My heart plunged as I realised who it was. More bodies followed behind him till they were all within the confines of the walls. I listened to their steady heartbeats, horrified. My lips parted as my gaze finally landed on him. A flash of desire ran down my spine as I took in his appearance. From bare chest to cutt-off jeans, I wanted him.

I wanted him to be safe.

Hisses circulated the room. If the pack were human, they would've missed it but they weren't so they snarled in return, bringing the onlookers up short.

Suddenly, I realised how many there were.

Mixed in with the tan bodies of the La Push gang, were the remarkably pale figures of vampires; unknown vampires. They poured through the doors.

"Aro!" someone shouted. I turned my head away at Carlisle's outburst, "Have we not we had this discussion before? We all know vampire hybreds are safe. If you plan on executing these amazing creatures, then you may as well be signing our own death certifates. Are we not more dangerous than they? And to demonstrate torture on a child?"

My cage rattled and I winced at the sound.

"Hold on Jazz," someone muttered. I barely recognised the voice to be Jacob's. I shrank, withering like a beanstalk tied to a pole. The metal creaked and split down the side. I gasped as hands swooped in to pick me up. Somehow my wrists were released and I went limp.

"What have they done to you?" a horrified voice whispered in my ear. I tried to hide my face from him but he captured my chin and coaxed my eyes up to look at him. His expression was desperate and slightly scattered.

I pulled away from his touch, feeling small and guilty. I had brought pain upon this wonderful, loving, sensitive person and I felt unworthy of his worry.

"Look at me Jasmine." I looked. There was nothing I wouldn't do for him. Seth seemed to read all this in my eyes and he sighed as if in exasperation, "Jasmine, I need you to talk to me. I-I...I love you and there is nothing, nothing, I wouldn't do, say or be if you wanted it." A retched sob ripped it's way up my throat and before I knew it, I was drowning in tears.

I blindly lifted one hand to stroke his jaw but could barely reach through my exhaustion to touch him. Seth noticed and I saw anger ignite in the backs of his eyes, "Just rest now my Jasmine, we'll sort out the rest."

I was tempted to close my eyes and sleep, knowing he wouldn't put me down, but something told me I had to stay awake.

I craned my neck weakly to see Bella waving her hands above her head in frustration. She shrieked and snarled at Aro. Edward quickly stepped forward just in time to grab hold of her arm and stop her from launching herself at the smiling man.

The pack and allied vampires stood in a rough circle around the raised dias where Aro stood. I urged Seth to join the group. I knew we were an easy target standing where we were. As soon as the safe crowd closed around us, Carlisle was at my side.

He held his hands out questioningly to Seth and I was transferred into the vampire's stone grasp.

"Jasmine, I need to examine your body, do you mind if I do it now?" I was confused as to why he asked, then I realised what he meant when he said examine your body. I barely blushed, I was so tired, but I dipped my head slightly in acceptance.

The females of the group except for Bella-who were monitering me-merged together around me and formed a tent made of limbs and fierce faces.

Carlisle quickly stripped me down and looked me over carefully. Not a bruise was ignored, not a scratch was uncounted. My clothes were in severe disrepair but as soon as Carlise mentioned it, a lady I didn't know shrugged off a grey jumper and stepped out of her shorts. She wore brilliant purple tights underneath.

I breathed a thank you and she bent forward to gently help me pull the soft material over my ragged skin.

As soon as the wall parted, Seth rushed forward and scooped me up again. I pressed a feather-light kiss into the alcove of his neck. He sighed almost silently and turned to face Aro and the Volturi along with the rest of my family.

"Aro!" Carlisle shouted again.

I leaned my head against Seth's shoulder and awaited the upcoming argument. Whether it became a fullscale fight or simply stayed a heated exchange of words, I knew were I stood.

With my family.

I just reread that last sentence and realised just how right they sound at the moment. I need to take some time off to stand with my family. Who knows, I may be back soon, but don't be surprised if I'm not.

Thanks for reading,

DANCElikeNOBODYisWATCHING